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Matata delight grows

Just a couple of readers’ reviews in praise of Braz Menezes’ Matata series.

PASCAL MASCARENHAS: 

I purchased all three of Braz Menezes' books in Toronto. Although on vacation in Toronto with family I started reading the books starting with Volume 1 "Beyond the Cape". Once I started on the books I could not put them down finding time in between catching up with family. Needless to say I was probably not a very good house guest... I felt I was part of the book as I could relate to the travel by ship to Goa from Kenya. The books helped me understand the formation of the different Goan clubs in Nairobi and Mombasa. My sense of pride of being Goan and raised in a modest family was uplifted with these books. The books bring out the sense of community between Muslim, Christian and Hindu. 

DAVID RUSSELL:

Braz Menezes’s earlier ‘Matata’ series have held prime location in our bookshelves.  I have awaited, with anticipation, the latest release of ‘Lando’s experiences’ and, on receipt of ‘Among the Jacaranda’, any previous plans I had were immediately jettisoned as I could not put the book down – it makes compelling and interesting reading…. 

The book is a work of ‘historical fiction’ but the level of detail, the degree of real angst and the life-like descriptions depict what can only be gained from the experiences of very real events.  The period covers interesting times and Lando faces challenging career choices, financial hardships (and the odd gain), relationship complications based on cultural differences and must now confront numerous global challenges that have become all too familiar in a fast-changing world.  Throughout the book ‘the now mature Lando’ applies the same unique level of integrity in respect of his romantic outlook, taking decisions and analysing situations that was instilled in him during his youth.  Somehow the author’s sense of humour and irony makes what could have been, so easily, an embittered story into one that is vitally compelling and amusing. 

I am delighted to read that Braz Menezes is working on a fourth Matata book, having re-read ‘Among the Jacaranda’ for a second time in a short period I now have something new to look forward to.  Keep writing Braz!  

A Goan making waves in Medical research

Goan chemist discovering new drugs

17 JAN 2016

Dr Donald Pinto from Mapusa was one in a bunch of chemists that discovered the drug Eliquis, which can be used for prevention of strokes. Having left Goa to pursue his career, Pinto did not forget his roots as he took a little bit of Goa with him to America. His drive to succeed in his field, pushed him to greater heights. KARSTEN MIRANDA caught up with him

(Below is an edited version of the Oheraldo story)

In Mapusa, there are many who speak highly of an old classmate, fellow student or former lecturer.  In the year 1980, Donald Pinto obtained his MSc degree in Organic Chemistry and subsequently left Goa to pursue his PhD in organic synthesis in the USA. 

Recently, Dr Pinto was recognized by the American Chemical Society, winning the 2015 Heroes of Chemistry award along with his colleagues for their breaking achievement in drug discovery. 

Donald was part of the team that had achieved unprecedented success, in the discovery and development of the drug ELIQUIS® (apixaban) : a novel oral anticoagulant therapy for non valvular atrial fibrillation for stroke prevention and also for VTE (venous thromboembolism- formation of blood clots in the vein).  

Donald explained that the drug is now a leading oral anticoagulant in the world amongst cardiologists.  “We are very excited about this product and it transformational potential for patients.  Eliquis® was co-developed with Pfizer and is currently being sold by the Bristol Myers Squibb(BMS) and Pfizer alliance,” said Donald. Donald and his colleagues at BMS won the ACS heroes award for its discovery.  

Explaining the run up that led to the discovery, Donald said it began when he was working at the DuPont Company where he developed an expertise in the areas of inflammatory diseases (arthritis) and later in cardiovascular science, looking at novel therapies directed at addressing unmet medical needs such as thrombotic disease (antithrombotics).  

“At the time I began my involvement in the direction of thrombosis, the science was evolving on the benefits of a potent antithrombotic agent for the prevention and treatment of stroke,” said Donald. Donald added that Eliquis’s sales for 2015 approach $2B.  

A peer of Dr Donald, Dr Helga Do Rosario Gomes (former colleague of Donald now at Columbia University in New York) has praised his work and said ‘it's a huge achievement for someone from such a limited education system and a good role model for many in Goa who don’t have many opportunities after their Masters’. 

“He was my classmate from the time when we did our masters in the Post graduate center in Education Building (pre- Goa Univ). He has done exceedingly well for himself.  He has worked in many well known pharmaceutical companies where he has produced many patents and won awards. He was just awarded the Chemistry Hero prize along with his group for developing a blood thinner Eliquis for BMS.  I think it’s very hard to develop a drug from inception - hundreds are started but, very few make it and become such a big and popular one like this one. It’s also a very expensive proposition from inception to clinical trials, FDA approvals to marketing etc,” said Dr Helga.

Dr. S.K.Paknikar, retired Professor of Organic Chemistry, Goa University candidly shares his association with Donald. "When I suggested to Donald to go overseas and if possible to US to do his Ph.D, my idea was to ensure he got an opportunity to work in a stimulating environment both for learning and research. We have been in touch for the past 35 years.  I have closely observed his research career with great interest and have chipped in with occasional suggestions when required. His development as an individual researcher and as a team member of BMS is a lesson to young scientists. The recent results of his research led to the development of a new drug Eliquis - which is much better than warfarin presently used for the treatment of VTE. This is the outcome of several years of research with passion, enthusiasm and a positive approach. I must say that it was my most proud moment when he informed me that his group has been announced as the "Heroes of Chemistry 2015." I salute him on this occasion."

“Setting goals and measuring accomplishments versus goals is very crucial for the growth of any individual and I am happy this culture was set in me early on in my career.  Thanks to my colleagues and fantastic collaborations we are able to achieve a lot of great results,” said Donald.   

The drive to succeed, a positive attitude, solid work ethic and a steady determination to succeed led the Ucassaim lad to be recognized as a leader in the field of anticoagulation and has now motivated him to expand his area of expertise to include heart failure.

  

In Goa, Donald briefly taught science at Holy Cross High School in Bastora his alma matter in 1978 as a substitute science teacher. He did this whilst pursuing his MSC degree. He was all around student, good at academics,  sports, and an active participant in student extracurricular activities even representing St. Xavier’s institution (Mapuca) at the Bombay University level and winning honours even as a student. 

Donald is part of a strong Goan Community in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, where recently they welcomed the Arch Bishop of Goa in August 2015, and recently with the goan community in Pennsylvania celebrated St. Francis feast where they also performed the corrudinho.  

While he has attended conferences and given presentations across the globe, he has been in India a few times and he had had the opportunity in the past to speak to students at St. Xavier’s college Mapuca and Goa University.

   

Donald then completed his PhD from the State University of New York and followed it with a post-doctoral stint at Rensselear Polytechnic Institute, New York.  He later joined the DuPont Company (Wilmington, DE) in 1988 in the medical products division.

   

“It is here that I began to hone in my skills as a medicinal chemist and devote my time to solve unmet medical needs, “said Donald.  He speaks about how DuPont experimental station was the place where many of DuPont’s innovations were discovered such as Teflon, Kevlar, Tyvek, Cozzar (1st in class AII antihypertensive agent) etc. It was also the home for Nobel Laureates. 

“So just being here in the midst of highly skilled individuals from the best of the best institutions in the country was very refreshing and rewarding.  The culture of accountability, the strive to being the best was cultivated early on in my career. This really helped me as I advanced in my medicinal chemistry career now at Bristol Myers Squibb, “said Donald. 

Donald is currently a research fellow at Bristol Myers Squibb in New Jersey, where he is spending his time coming up the next breakthrough therapies in cardiology. 

Prince Edward's historic sojourn in early Goa

Prince Edward’s safari to the Sub-Continent

A post by John J. D’Souza in response to: Goa “little else than a melancholy heap of ruins” –1875

A recent posing on Goanet noted that “Panaji is decaying by the day” That awfully very foul stench of rotting garbage that we have to all inhale every morning while entering Panaji after crossing the Mandovi Bridge only depicts the current despicable state of this Government which is now in total disarray.

A recent Times of India op-ed also noted “The Degradation of Goa’s Capital”

 Not infrequently, some Snowbirds   returning from Goa, lament that things are going from bad to worse. The place is overwhelmed with cheap tourism and migrants destroying its unique character.

About 150 years ago Goa existence was also held to be precarious!

In October 1875, Albert Edward Prince of Wales, the eldest son of Queen Victoria, embarked on an extensive tour of the Indian subcontinent. The tour was extensively documented (see references at the end) this article, focuses on his impromptu stop to visit Goa, on his way to Ceylon and onward to Calcutta.

However, in November 6, 1875 when he landed in Bombay,  a fawning  speech of welcome was delivered on behalf of his Indian subjects by  Mr. Dosabhoy Framjee — a Parsee gentleman Chairman of the Bombay Corporation.(an excerpt is included at the end of  this posting. Hopefully Bomoikars on Goanet will come up with a detailed assessment of times then)

Excerpts from press reports of tour (see ref source at end):

In accordance with the spirit of inquiry which is so marked a characteristic of the Prince of Wales, His Royal Highness determined to anchor off Goa, the head-quarters of the Portuguese in India. Had the Prince of Wales returned to England without visiting the settlement, a valuable experience relating to that vast portion of the people of India, the Portuguese Catholics, would have been denied him.

The Prince’s ship the Seraphis , cast anchor in Goa Bay on Friday night, November 26th,(1875) A Portuguese galley, brought the Governor of Goa aboard to pay his respects, and arrange the program for the next day and for the visit to Old Goa.

It was once famous as the great mart on the Malabar Coast between Europe and Hindustan; and although now it is little else than a melancholy heap of ruins, these old ecclesiastical buildings is of the greatest historical interest. The palaces and chapels are crumbling away pillar by pillar and stone by stone and no one seems anxious to restore them. We on board ship would have liked to have landed before the royal salutes were fired, for there was no assurance that after one fou de joie (possibly 21 gun salute) was discharged there would be anything left in Goa save bricks and dust.

On November 27, 1875, Prince and his suite left in the steam barge for Old Goa, about twelve miles higher up the river, rendered famous by the landing of the first Portuguese General (Vasco de Gama) in India. The Prince was carried from the landing-place to the centre of the old town in a palanquin, The Prince wandered, apparently with the greatest interest, through the aisles of the three magnificent cathedral-like edifices here. One of these contains a silver coffin, within which reposes the body of St. Francis Xavier. The coffin rests on a richly carved marble pedestal. It is the most splendid shrine in the whole world.

The press reporter in the Prince of Wales party visiting old Goa noted the following:

“We were greatly struck with the strength of the Catholic church, still visible in this antiquated and decaying province. We all brought away with us ivory crosses, and carved figures of the Virgin and the infant Jesus, which we had purchased from the coloured Portuguese.”

Comments:

  *   Critical thinking skills are needed when reading the above.

  *   Old Goa was in decay for several centuries due to unsanitary conditions mainly from water pollution.

  *   Reference to the noun Goan as inhabitants of place is hardly used

  *   It would have been mind blowing then to imagine that someday “coloured Portuguese” would be elected to their House of Parliament.

  *   Had the visiting party spent more time visiting Sunset Point in Bardez or walked along the 30km white sand beaches of Salcete, who knows – the hippy movement might have started then.

Excerpts from speech made in Bombay November 6 1875 by Mr. Dosabhoy Framjee — a Parsee gentleman Chairman of the Bombay Corporation

“Bombay may lay claim to the distinction of being a royal city, for this island first became an appendage of the Crown of England through forming part of the dowry of Charles the Second’s Portuguese bride; and during the two centuries that have since elapsed Bombay has had every reason to be grateful for this fortunate change in her destiny.

From a barren rock, whose only wealth consisted of coconuts and dried fish, whose scanty population of 10,000 souls …… she has blossomed into a fair and wholesome city, with a population which makes her rank next to London among the cities of the British Empire, with a municipal revenue amounting  to 300,000 (lakhs)/. a year, and with a foreign commerce worth forty- five millions, and yielding in customs duties to the imperial treasury three millions a year. All this material prosperity she owes to the strong and wise Government which has secured her in the enjoyment of peace and order, of equality before the law, of religious liberty, and of freedom of trade, and has thus given confidence to men of all races and creeds — Europeans, Indo- Portuguese, Hindus, Mohamedans, Parsees, and Jews — to pursue their various callings

under the shadow of the British flag.  End of Excerpt

Full text of "India in 1875-76: the visit of the Prince of Wales<https://archive.org/details/indiainvisitpri00wheegoog

John J. D'Souza

Goans of Pakistan Milestones

Chronology of Milestones

---

1886	The Goa-Portuguese Association is established, with L.C. Gomes as the first President.
1886	The first Penny Reading is held by the Goa-Portuguese Association.
1887	Foundation Stone of the Goa-Portuguese Association is laid, and in 1888 the imposing Building is completed at a cost of Rs. 14,013.
1892	Cinncinatus D’Abreo establishes Indian Life Assurance Company (ILACO) – the largest in the sub-continent
1894	D.X. Menezes is the first Karachi Goan to arrive in Mombasa, Kenya
1895	August R deCruz becomes the first Goan in Sind to take the M.A. Degree.
1902	Aloysius deMello, Bar-at-Law, is the first Goan to be appointed by the Secretary of State to the Colonial Civil Service.
1916	In response to ‘War Funds’ KGA organizes ‘The Mikado’ for the second time (held earlier in 1903), it ran for three successive nights.
1916	Fred J. de Souza is the first Goan to be appointed by the Secretary of State to the Imperial Service of Railways Engineers.
1918	Edward Raymond is appointed as Additional Judicial Commissioner, the first Indian to be elevated from the Bar to the Sind High Court Bench
1920	Tollentine Fonseca composes The Officers March, Dewan-e-Khas and Barcelona Waltz, they are published the same year.
1922	Peter Felix Pereira opens P.F. Pereira & Sons (Bakers & Confectioners)
1925	Bruno D’Sa becomes Registrar of the High Court of Sind
1925	Augustus D’Cruz builds the main Pavilion at the KGA Gymkhana on Bunder Road
1926	The KGA Gymkhana formally opened on a plot of land measuring 28,000 sq. yards on M.A. Jinnah Road (formerly Bunder Road)
1926	Group of well-off Goans move out of Saddar/Garri Khata and builds a new township (what is now Garden East) – the first in the city.
1927	The KGA Hockey Team wins the All-India Dewar Shield and the Haji Dossul Cup.
1930	The Mickey and Alec Correa band is the ‘best dance band’ in Karachi.
1930	Luis John Mascarenhas becomes the First Indian to be appointed as secretary of Karachi Port Trust
1931	The Christ The King Monument is built on the grounds of St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
1931	The Monument was designed by Mr. M. X. Andrade and construction overseen by Mr. Augustus Rodrigues, Civil Engineer. Mr. Vaz painted the two mural in the Crypt depicting Heaven and Hell
1931	St. Lawrence’s Church is built in Cincinnatus Town (now Garden East), Karachi through contributions made by Goan families.
1933	The MCC (Cricket) Team is feted by the Karachi Goan Association.
1934	Edmund Sequeira is the first Goan to qualify in Aviation and to be appointed to the Civil Aviation Service.
1935	Manuel Mendes heads team to clear Quetta city of debris & corpses after earth quake kills 75,000 people
1935	Luis John Mascarenhas decorated with MBE (Member of British Empire) by King George V
1936	The name of Goa-Portuguese Association changed to Karachi Goan Association with C.M. Lobo as its first President.
1936	Peter Paul Fernandes represents India at the 1936 Berlin Olympics
1937	St. Pats Hockey Team (comprising of many Goan players) beats Bhopal Wanderers (8 Indian Olympians)
1940	The Janu Vaz Band is the ‘best jazz and blues’ band in Karachi.
1940	Bertie Gomes wins All-India Heavy-Weight Championships
1940	Hannibal D’Souza wins All-India Fly-Weight Championships
1945	Alex D’Mello, President, Konkani Branch of St. Patrick’s Cathedra, Karachi,  awarded the Bene Merente Gold Medal by Pope Pius XII
1946	Manuel Misquita elected Mayor of Karachi
1947	PAKISTAN IS BORN – Jinnah creates a New State. Goans opt to stay back for economic, education and social needs
1947	Dr. Orphin D’Sa, Dr. Bonnie Rodrigues, Dr. Bella Lobo, Dr. Angelo Freitas, Dr. Monica Smith and others help refugees pouring in from India
1947	Dr. Hermann Drago opens camp in Mirpurkhas in interior Sind to help both Hindus who were leaving for India and Muslims who were arriving from India.
1947	Mohamed Ali Jinnah requests Frank D’Souza to set-up Pakistan Railways
1947	P.F. Pereira bakes a special cake on the occasion of the first civic reception in Karachi for Quaid-e-Azam Mohamed Ali Jinnah
1947	Jerome D’Silva starts the Hussain-D’Silva construction company
1947	Eddie Martyres appointed as a Police Inspector in Karachi
1948	Rev. Fr. Valarian Gracias made Archbishop of Bombay (1948-1978)
1948	O.B. Nazareth (Co-Manager) and Milton D’Mello (Player) represent Pakistan Hockey team at the London Olympics
1948	Eddie Martyres appointed as DSP in Hyderabad
1950	Statue of Our Lady of Fatima arrives at the Karachi Airport; arrives from Hyderabad at St. John’s Chapel, Drigh Road. Karachi Catholics bring Statue in Solemn Motorcade Procession to the Monument of Christ the King
1952	Fr. Stephen Raymond builds and becomes the first principal of St. Patrick’s College
1952	Jack Britto represents Pakistan Hockey team at the Helsinki Olympics
1952	Michael Barretto and Philip D’Silva are among the first Karachi Goans to arrive in Toronto, Canada
1952	Noel Misquita becomes first Pakistani student at Harvard Business School, USA.
1953	Archbishop Valarian Gracias elevated to the office of Cardinal of Bombay (1953 – 1978)
1953	Tollentine Fonseca writes the Musical Score of the National Anthem of Pakistan; conducts the Anthem with the Pakistan Navy Band.
1954	Gilbert and Sullivan operetta ‘Mikado’ held at the KGA with a full Goan cast
1954	Marie Therese Braganza wins the National Badminton Singles Title.
1955	Mennen Soares plays for Pakistan in the All-England Thomas Cup World Badminton Championships.
1956	Michael Rodrigues wins All-Pakistan Boys Singles TT title.
1956	Henrietta Braganza wins the 100, 200 meters and Long Jump events in the National Games.
1957	Michael Rodrigues wins All-Pakistan Boys Singles TT title.
1958	Michael Rodrigues wins All-Pakistan Boys Singles TT title.
1958	Mathais Wallis becomes first Goan to play Test Cricket for Pakistan
1958	Gemma Rodricks win the National Badminton Singles Title.
1958	Henrietta Braganza wins the 100, 200 meters and Long Jump events in the National Games.
1958	Alan Falcao is the official pianist at Radio Pakistan's local talent program for 4 years and plays ‘Canadian Sunset' as his opening & closing tune.
1960	Michael Rodrigues wins All-Pakistan Men’s Singles TT title
1960	Gemma Rodricks win the National Badminton Singles Title
1960	Archbishop Joseph Cordeiro starts Catholic Social Services
1960	Jerome D’Silva and his partner, builds Hussain-D’Silva Town in North Nazimabad.
1960	Henrietta Braganza wins the 100, 200 meters and Long Jump events in the National Games.
1961	St. Patrick’s High School celebrates 100 Years! President Field Marshal Mohammad Ayub Khan is in attendance.
1961	Michael Rodrigues wins All-Pakistan Men’s Singles TT title
1961	Antao D’Souza plays Test Cricket for Pakistan
1962	St. Joseph’s Convent School celebrates 100 Years!
1962	Michael Rodrigues wins All-Pakistan Men’s Singles TT title, and captains Pakistan team at Asian Championships in Bombay
1964	Romeo Pereira, President, Bakers Association accompanies Pakistan Delegation to the USA.
1965	Michael Rodrigues plays for Pakistan at the World Table Tennis Championship in Yugoslavia
1965	Blasé Mascarenhas of Central Intelligence Department honored with ‘Tamgha-e-Khidmat’ by President Ayub Khan
1965	Brig. Mervyn Cardoza of Pakistan Army honored with ‘Tamgha-e-Khidmat’ by President Ayub Khan
1965	The Xavier Sisters become the first all-women Pakistani band to play to live audiences
1968	Fr. Terrance de Souza appointed Secretary to the Papal Nuncio, Islamabad
1968	Patrick Mendes decorated with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice MEDAL – the highest medal that can be awarded to the laity by the papacy – for 50 Years of Service in Catholic Education
1969	Archbishop Joseph Cordeiro establishes Catholic Social Services (CSS) and appoints Cyril Mendes as its first Secretary.
1969	Cyril Mendes assumes charge of CSS as Chairman and continues for a period of 10 years
1969	Xavier Sisters given a contract to play in Miami Hotel, Tehran, Iran, becoming the first Pakistani band group to play abroad.
1970	Fr. Terrance de Souza appointed Editor of The Christian Voice
1970	Fr. Arnold Heredia sets-up PCIS and the Idara-Amn-o-Insaf
1971	Fr. Bonaventure Paul made Bishop of Hyderabad
1971	Coral Barboza wins the National Badminton Singles Title
1971	Anthony Mascarenhas writes (in the June 13 issue of London Sunday Times) a daring political analysis "Genocide" of the brewing-up of the crisis that dismantled the East wing. It was a turning point in the history of journalism in Pakistan.
1972	Government of Z.A. Bhutto nationalizes St. Patrick’s College and St. Joseph’s Colleges, and some more Catholic educational institutions.
1972	Francis X. Lobo takes part in the National Elections for a seat in the National Assembly.
1972	Xavier Sisters interviewed and performed on Zia Mohyuddin Show – the first band group to be invited on the show
1973	Archbishop Joseph Cordeiro elected as Pakistan's first red hat by Vatican's College of Cardinals to be ordained as His Eminence Joseph Cardinal Cordeiro
1973	Noel de Souza appointed to management of International Air Transport Association (IATA) in Geneva.
1974	Sylvia D’Mello wins 100 Meters at the National Athletic Championships, Lahore
1974	Romaldine Fernandes wins 800 Meters at the National Athletic Championships, Lahore
1974	Norman D’Souza, Norbert Furtado, Julius Saldanha, Martin Fernandes, Colin D’Souza and Hilary Furtado and their band ‚Talismen, become the first Pakistani band to win an international contract in Singapore.
1974	Norman D’Souza becomes Pakistani first popular (pop) musician to be interviewed ‘live’ on Pakistan Television’s Zia Mohiuddin Show.
1975	Jesus Christ Superstar staged in Karachi, Bobby Frederick is Jesus, Arthur Turner, Judas and Victoria deSouza-Menezes plays Mary Magdalene.
1975	Luke. F. Andrade introduces Grand Master Ashraf Tai at the KGA Gymkhana and starts Tai’s Karate Center
1977	Joseph Julius D’Mello appointed Divisional Superintendent, Railways, Sukkur
1977	Katy Gomes-Franco decorated with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice MEDAL – the highest medal that can be awarded to the laity by the papacy – for 50 Years of Service in Catholic Education
1978	St. Patrick’s Cathedral celebrates 100 Years!
1978	Fr. Michael D’Cruz builds apartment complexes for Christians in the Civil Lines area. St. Anthony’s Parish grows!
1978	Banker Joaquim D'Mello is instrumental in setting up the Training Academy of Agha Hasan Abedi's BCCI (Bank of Credit & Commerce International).
1980	Venus Coutinho and Ernestine Bernard-Lucas selected to play for Pakistan Women’s Hockey team
1982	Fr. Anthony Lobo made Auxiliary Bishop of Karachi
1982	Simon D'Lima, the former stalwart Math teacher at St. Pat's, later principal of PAF Model School, starts his own school, the St. Peter's High School
1982	Barbara Rocha of St. Joseph’s Convent School is a gold medalist for standing first-class-first in HSC
1984	Angelo Lopes is made the General Manager of the Union Bank of Middle East in Pakistan
1985	Fr. Robert D'Silva builds and expands St. Anthony's Boys School to become a full-fledged Matriculation school.
1986	Amy Gonsalves made Principal of St. Patrick’s Girls School
1986	KGA celebrates 100 Years!
1987	Joseph Julius D’Mello retires at Chairman, Pakistan Railways
1987	Lenny Dias represents Pakistan at the Asian Billiard Championships in Bombay, India
1988	Earl Cordeiro becomes National Snooker Champion
1990	Bishop Anthony Lobo builds Notre-Dame Institute of Education
1991	Michael Alphonso made Principal of St. Lawrence’s Boys School
1992	Anthony Sales represents Stamp Society of Pakistan as Secretary-General at Asian Federation Congress in Kuala Lumpur.
1993	Oswin Mascarenhas becomes first lay-principal of St. Patrick’s High School
1993	Anthony Sales represents Pakistan as National Commissioner at World and Asian Stamp Championships.
1995	Bishop Armando Trinidad elevated as Archbishop of Lahore
1995	Bishop Simeon Pereira elevated as Archbishop of Karachi
1996	Fr. Max Rodrigues elevated to Bishop of Hyderabad.
1996	Fr. Evarist Pinto elevated to Bishop of Karachi.
1997	Bishop Evarist Pinto elevated to Archbishop of Karachi.
1998	Fr. Archie D’Souza becomes the only Catholic priest to study Islam in Rome and initiate Inter-Faith Dialogue in Pakistan
1999	Beverly D’Cruz-Martis becomes first Goan girl to be accepted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
2000	The Old Priests Home-cum-Presbytery at Civil Lines is completed. A beautiful Chapel fulfills needs of the ever expanding St. Anthony's Parish. Frs. Robert D'Silva, Melito Dias and Joseph D'Mello move in to stay here.
2000	Menin Rodrigues creates the annual ‘Carnival of Carols' as a Millennium Gift for the children of the archdiocese. More than 400 children and 1000 spectators attend every year for the next 10 years.
2001	Bernard Mascarenhas, Chief Information Officer, Marsh Canada perishes in the 9/11 tragedy of the World Trade Center, New York. USA. He was on a global conference call at the time of the incident
2001	Maurice Coutinho starts ‘Goekars’ Own Academy – GOA’ as a social group to encourage Konkani language
2003	Menin Rodrigues leads a successful campaign to shift the St. Lawrence's Government Girls Inter College from the premises of St. Lawrence's Convent to another location after 28 years of occupation.
2004	Menin Rodrigues is appointed by the Ministry of Industries, Government of Pakistan as Consultant-Delegate at the Hanover Messe, Germany, for two consecutive years.
2004	Archbishop Evarist Pinto appoints Robin Fernandes as the Editor of The Christian Voice.
2005	St. Lawrence’s Church, Garden East (old Cincinnatus Town) celebrates its Platinum Jubilee (75 Years)
2005	Menin Rodrigues leads a team comprising of Sr. Mary Emily, Fr. Joe Paul, Francis D'Souza, Roland deSouza, Ardeshir Cowasjee and Raju Caleb to denationalize St. Joseph's and St. Patrick's Colleges.
2005	Menin Rodrigues organizes a grand Reunion & Thank You gathering at St. Pat's for its illustrious old boy, General Pervez Mushrraf, President of Pakistan. The President is overwhelmed to meet his mentors Fr. J.B. Todd and Simon D'Lima, and many classmates.
2007	Roland de Souza heads the NGO Shehri as Chairman for two consecutive years; appears on numerous TV shows as construction/ environment specialist.
2008	Louis (Gumby) Pinto becomes the country’s most celebrated drummer.
2008	Fr. Mario Rodrigues appointed by Rome as National Director of the Pontifical Society of Pakistan
2009	Berna Dean-Menezes becomes first Catholic Principal of Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore
2009	Brian Joseph secures 11As in O’Level and 5As in A’Level to win place and scholarship at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
2009	Christine Martins is appointed Principal of St. Lawrence Convent Girls School by the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM)
2010	Berna Dean appointed Principal of St. Joseph’s College for Women by the Institution of the Daughters of the Cross
2011	Rev. Fr. Gasper Mendes celebrates 60 Years of Priesthood
2011	His Grace Bishop Anthony Lobo celebrates 50 Years of Priesthood
2011	Rev. Fr. Joseph D’Mello celebrates 50 Years of Priesthood
2011	Karachi Goan Association (KGA) celebrates 125 Years. A special brochure highlighting its history is printed on the occasion
2011	St. Patrick’s High School celebrates 150 years. Ex-students body (The Old Patricians) honors teachers at ‘Night of the Legends’ – several Goan teachers among them.
2011	Goenkars’ Own Academy (GOA), the social entertainment group completes 10 years with Deborah Santamaria as its President.
2011	St. Lawrence’s Convent Girls School completes 75 Years. Christine Martins is the Principal.
2011	St. Patrick’s College opens its new wing (an additional floor), the brainchild of Bro. Lawrence Manuel, Principal.
2012	Rev. Fr. John Baptist Todd celebrates his 90th Birthday!
2012	Rev. Fr. Joseph Paul celebrates 50 Years of Priesthood.
2012	The Vatican appoints (Jan 24) Bishop Joseph Coutts of Faisalabad as the new Archbishop of Karachi
2012	St. Anthony’s Church, Cant. Celebrates its Platinum Jubilee (75 Years)
2012	The restoration and preservation of the Christ the King Monument is undertaken (Jan 30) by the Archbishop Emeritus of Karachi in a meeting of parish priests and lay representatives of community. Mr. Menin Rodrigues is appointed as Project Head, Mr. Roland dsouza as the Technical Coordinator and Llwelyn D’Souza as Finance Committee Coordinator
2014	John Gomes formerly of St. Pat’s School / Don Bosco Boarding Karachi appointed Ambassador of Bangladesh.

NOTE: NOTE: The above section continues to be under-construction. If you know of any major Goan milestone, achiever or endeavor, please respond, the achievement must be recorded. If the highlighted year or information in this document is incorrect, please let me know menin100@gmail.com

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